JMS09

You’re probably aware that breast milk is the best food for your newborn child and it is widely known that breastfeeding until a normal weaning age provides significant health benefits to both of you. However, continuing to breastfeed until this time requires some planning and preparation. Also, resuming parts of your lifestyle will be important to regain some balance in your life. There will no doubt
be times when either you intend to be away from your child for a period or when breastfeeding would feel uncomfortable.
Expressing milk for later use is a way that you can spend some time away from your child or choose not to breastfeed while still providing your child with breast milk and those significant health benefits.
Using a breast pump is a skill, just like breastfeeding, that needs to be learnt. It is normal when using a breast pump for the first time for mothers to be only able to express a few drops of breast milk so don’t worry if this happens to you. However, with some practice and the right knowledge you can quickly become more efficient at using a breast pump.
The following is the best way to prepare to use your breast pump.

1. Firstly make sure that you read and understand all the instructions carefully.
2. You will need to ensure that every part of the breast pump has been properly sterilized before using it.
3. After using your breast pump you need to ensure that all of the parts have been washed thoroughly. This is best done by washing with warm soapy water and then rinsing completely in hot water before being dried by draining on a clean towel. You must then allow sufficient time for it to drain and dry completely.
4. You can if you wish, or your doctor advises, sterilize the whole thing every day.
5. If you opt to start with an electric breast pump you should start with the lowest available suction level.